Veteran Hong Kong actor Ng Man Tat is starting his own film studio, and is offering long-time collaborator and friend Stephen Chow HK$10 million (S$1.78 million) to act in a new film of his.
The 63-year-old told Lianhe Wanbao in a report yesterday that “as long as (Chow) acts, I’ll give him HK$10 million for three days’ acting”.
Ng said the payment is only peanuts to Chow, 54, “but I believe he will consider the value of friendship more than the value of money”.
Ng was speaking to Wanbao over a long-distance call about upcoming film The Menu, which he stars in.
He revealed that he has registered to set up his film studio Hua Guo Shan, named after a mountain featured in classic Chinese novel Journey To The West.
He plans to produce, direct and act in a tragicomedy that will make audiences laugh and cry at the same time.
The autobiographical film will be about his time in the entertainment circle, which has spanned over 20 years.
Said Ng: “We’re still writing the script and cannot reveal the film’s name or plot yet.
“But there’ll be themes of love and friendship and it is related to me personally.”
Chow and Ng have acted together in numerous television series and films such as Shaolin Soccer (2001).
Chow, whom Ng considers his “godfather”, has not acted in recent years, preferring instead to direct films such as The Mermaid (2016) and Journey To The West: Conquering The Demons (2013).
The Mermaid opened here in February and earned $4.35 million, breaking the record for the No. 1 all-time biggest opening and second-day Chinese film during the Chinese New Year period, according to reports by The New Paper.
The last film Chow acted in was 2008’s CJ7.
Would he be willing to step out from behind the director’s camera and act again just for Ng?
“Definitely,” said Ng.
Other than Chow, Ng has also invited other friends who have worked with him in the entertainment industry, including Chow Yun Fat.
Shooting for Ng’s new film will start in April or May next year.
myp@sph.com.sg
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